Goodnight Fox
Bugs & Butterflies · Craft
Toilet Roll Bugs
Turn empty toilet rolls into ladybugs, bees and beetles using our free cut-and-stick template.
- Ages 2–6
- 25 min
- Mess: Medium
- Craft
- Time
- 25 min
- Ages
- 2–6
- Mess
- Medium
- Prep
- Some prep
Why we love it
A recycled craft with a free printable template
An easy spring craft for toddlers and preschoolers that quietly builds fine motor strength. Paint the rolls, cut out the wings, spots and antennae from the free template, and stick everything on.
Gather these first
Everything for this setup, in one list.
Empty toilet rolls
3-4Toilet Roll Bugs craft template
1 printFree printable
Paint
red, yellow, blackScissors
1Child-safe
Glue stick
1Googly eyes
6-8
Supplies we keep on hand
The reusable bits behind this setup — no need to buy them twice.
Googly eyes
6-8use what you already have at home
How to set up toilet roll bugs
Follow along at your own pace.
Step 1: Paint the bodies
Paint each roll one solid colour and stand them up to dry.
Step 2: Cut the pieces
While they dry, cut the wings, spots and antennae from the template.
Step 3: Assemble
Glue the wings on the back, spots on top and antennae inside the rim so they curl forward.
Step 4: Add faces
Stick on googly eyes and draw a smile.
Skills hiding inside the play
Fine motor
Cutting, gluing and placing small pieces.
Creativity
Children choose which bug each roll becomes.
Sustainability
A first conversation about reusing what we already have.
Conversation starters
Which bug should this one be?
How many spots does a ladybug have?
Where will your bugs live when they are finished?
Printables & kits for this activity
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